[Captain Shaw]

http://www.aintitcool.com/node/47198

Ya know, the more I think about it...Gary Mitchell makes sense. If you think about it...that episode is like Kirk and Spock's first real mission together.
Kirk still sees Spock as this cold, calculating Vulcan. Spock tells Kirk the logical thing to do is "Kill" Mitchell now, while they still have a chance".
Kirk still sees his Friend Gary, and hopes his humanity will win out. Of course it didn't...power corrupts and absolute Power corrupts absolutely.
But in the end...Spock tells Kirk: "I too felt for Mitchell". Kirk begins to realize that there's a emotional side to Spock. It's GREAT Character development, and a good start on Kirk starting to realize that Spock does indeed feel...and it's a step forward in their future Friendship.

[kevin]

If that rumour were true then I would be relieved that Khan wasn't being featured. I had reservations about the wisdom of that, despite many fans seemingly seeking to see him brought into this new timeline.

The same can also be said for the others of course (I really also don't want it to be Harry Mudd!!!!).

The others (Talosians, Horta, Mitchell). Well, there are possibilities (I'm guessing actually the Talosians would seem to have the most mileage) in them but it still seems to be going back to the safety zone instead of pushing out into new territory and characters.

Of course, it's also far too early to know for sure. Cameo's can work though.

[horatio]

I agree, it would be nicer to have new stuff but I also think that it is natural for them to play it safe. After all they must have the impression that a majority of fans are interested in this repetitive stuff as they were constantly asked whether Khan or Klingons or whatever else from past Trek will be in the next movie.
Great blockbuster plus fanboy satisfaction sounds like a foolproof formula.

[kevin]

It came up incessantly in interviews and fan forums across the board so I would tend to agree that impression was easy to find. And to an extent, when fans themselves can be somewhat incestous and want the same thing over and over, then it's not necessarily hard to stumble into the trap of thinking it's a good idea.

[NCC-73515]

see http://www.startrekmovie.com/forums/...d.php?p=309782

[horatio]

Originally Posted by kevin

It came up incessantly in interviews and fan forums across the board so I would tend to agree that impression was easy to find. And to an extent, when fans themselves can be somewhat incestous and want the same thing over and over, then it's not necessarily hard to stumble into the trap of thinking it's a good idea.

Given that the rumour is not just a rumour or perhaps even intentional disinformation it makes sense in the context with Lindelof's statement that they won't go down the villain road again.
All of these named characters are not per se bad guys and e.g. Mudd or Trelane could have a minor role in virtually any kind of story.

So on the one hand it is "Trek-cestuous" but on the other hand it is flexible and sans "villains who twirl their mustaches".

[Captain Shaw]

Originally Posted by NCC-73515

see http://www.startrekmovie.com/forums/...d.php?p=309782

Yeah, didn't see that. I don't check "General Star Trek Forums"...only this one.

[NCC-73515]

I only check "new posts" ;P

[kevin]

And in another sign that the stars are beginning to align, Abrams next film Super 8 has been scheduled for theatrical release on June 6th 2011.

Which is around the same time that prinicpal photography is expected to commence, which means that it is quite possible for him to be free by then to direct the sequel, even though of course, that has still to be confirmed.

[Omikse]

I found this that stats looking for a female vulcan.

http://io9.com/5670949/possible-huge...games-be-pg+13

The short piece is right on top